12 Things Your Urologist Treats

What exactly does a urologist treat? A urologist is a specialist who treats diseases or disorders of the male and female urinary tract as well as the male reproductive system. The organs included in this field are the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, bladder, and urethra, as well as the male testes, prostate and penis. Here is a general idea of the types of diseases and disorders that a urologist treats:

1. Prostate Cancer

Because prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States, men need to be aware of potential symptoms, including dull pain in the lower pelvic area, frequent or painful urination, and blood in the urine or semen. A urologist will diagnose prostate cancer by performing a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate specific antigen (PSA).

6. Male and FemaleIncontinence

7. Prostatitis

Prostatitis, or prostate infection, is a condition with symptoms that can include painful urination; pain in the lower back, abdomen or pelvic area; fever; and chills. However, for some men prostatitis can occur without any symptoms. Once the urologist discovers the cause of the prostatitis, then a course of treatment, usually involving antibiotics, can be determined.

8. Erectile Dysfunction

9. Urinary Tract Infections (Cystitis)

UTIs affect about 40 percent of all women and 12 percent of all men at some point during their lifetime, causing symptoms of painful or burning urination, cloudy urine, and abdominal pain. UTIs can be treated with easily with antibiotics, but it is important to see a urologist if you have any symptoms to rule out other more serious medical problems.

10. Peyronie’s Disease

Though less common than some of the other urological diseases and disorders, Peyronie’s Disease effects middle aged men. Peyronie’s Disease causes a formation of scar tissue along the penis. Though this scar tissue can’t be seen, it can lead to painful erections.

12. Vasectomy

Though having a vasectomy doesn’t fit into the urinary tract disorder category, it is a very common reason for men to see a urologist. A vasectomy is a relatively simple procedure, and is one of the most effective methods of birth control for couples who decide they no longer want to have children.